MLB: Francisco Rodriguez, it’s time to start drawing a pension

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 22: Reliever Francisco Rodriguez #57 of the Detroit Tigers delivers a pitch during a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 22, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won the 9-6. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

Unable to call it a career, former closer Francisco Rodriguez is trying to work his way back to an MLB roster. I’d say time is running out.

When he was at the height of his MLB career, Francisco Rodriguez was one of the most feared relievers in the game. He quickly rose to one of the most dominant closers in the game. Now, after being out of the league for three years, he is trying to get back in.

A fireballing pitcher known as K-Rod, Rodriguez burst onto the scene in 2002 with the Anaheim Angels. At just twenty years of age, he threw 5.2 innings in the regular season (striking out 13) and 8.2 innings in the World Series (striking out 13). The Angels had their first World Series Championship as well as a closer for the future.

The six-time All-Star last pitched professionally a year ago in the Mexican League and hasn’t been affiliated with a Major League franchise since his stay with the 2017 Washington Nationals Single-A affiliate.

He has two things working against him in his quest to return to the Majors. He is 38 years old and he has been out of the league for three years.

Fernando Rodney, albeit five years older, is still looking for work, in a game which is getting younger by the day. Getting back into game shape after not seeing Major League quality hitters for such a long time will prove difficult.

I admire his willingness to work hard and drive himself towards that big-league contract. Cracking a 40-man roster is tough these days, and there are plenty of younger/better options out there than K-Rod.